Ospreys back-row forward Jones was sidelined by serious shoulder trouble during the 2005/06 season after starring for the Lions in New Zealand, but he returned to action last term and is pivotal to Wales coach Gareth Jenkins' World Cup plans.

Jenkins said: You want a quality world-class player like Ryan fighting fit and ready to go. There was a concern he was having a niggle and so we took a precaution.

It was a necessary procedure. They had to trim parts of the cartilage on his shoulder.

We are right in what we have done because he has a big career in front of him and it was important that if there was a problem it was identified.

Wales team physiotherapist Mark Davies added: "Ryan will be seeing a specialist on Thursday, and we will know more when we get the results of that consultation.

"Until then, it would be wrong for us to speculate," he added.

Jones' back-row colleague Jonathan Thomas, meanwhile, has returned to training after being told his broken hand will not require surgery or plaster.

He should regain full fitness during the next two or three weeks, and Davies added: "Jonathan has damaged the metatarsal on the ring finger of his left hand.

"Fortunately, the damage is in an area that does not limit his movement or grip to any large extent, and he is able to take a major part in sessions.

"He should recover more quickly than we first thought."

A third injury victim, wing Shane Williams, is expected to join Thomas in being available for selection next month after undergoing elbow surgery.

Davies said: "Shane is in a similar position to Jonathan.

"He is avoiding full contact at the moment, but can still play a major part in the training sessions. The good news is that he should be fully recovered by August."

Jenkins also expects Gavin Henson to be available for the clash with England at Twickenham on August 4 after the star back missed the last three weeks of training with an Achilles injury.

The coach added: He is a frustrated young man at the moment because he has not been able to take part in the same training as the rest of the squad.

But I feel everyone apart from Ryan will be available (for the England game).